Bathtub Caulk

I've got a gap between the bathtub and wall tile of about 3/4" that doesn't seem to want to keep caulk. The caulk typically splits, or gets holes in it, or becomes discolored. I'm using indoor/outdoor 50-year caulk, so I don't think that's that problem. Should I try and fill some of the space with grout or something first and then caulk?

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I've got a gap between the bathtub and wall tile of about 3/4" that doesn't seem to want to keep caulk. The caulk typically splits, or gets holes in it, or becomes discolored. I'm using indoor/outdoor 50-year caulk, so I don't think that's that problem. Should I try and fill some of the space with grout or something first and then caulk?

Use grout to fill the 3/4" gap.
If you need to caulk then use mildew resistant caulk made specific for bathrooms.

I used it on a tub where I tiled over existing floor tile and there was a little gap, maybe 1/2 in between the tiles and bottom of the tub. Its been on there now for like, a month or so, and its still holding up perfectly, thats not a lot of time, but it doesn' seem like it'll give me any problems at all. Its nice for a finishing touch. I just filled the seem underneath with kitchen/bath caulking and let it dry for a couple days.

When I read your post, I was originally thinking the same thing that J187 wrote about (The corner strip-seal tape thingy).
I've used it before on a job about 3 years ago. Haven't gotten a call back yet from them.

One other trick is you must fill the tub and plug prior to caulking/siliconing this way the tub is "settled" into position with all the weight of the water as opposed to caulking empty tub and then having it "settle" once you go to fill it.

Just dont get alarmed if you hire a contractor and he's in your new tub full of water naked with a caulk gun.....he's just trying to make sure the job is done right

It's been years since I used the L shaped caulk strips, but after a while it looks like crap and allows water to seep behind and then we know what happens after that As far as caulk I've been having great results with the kitchen/bath mildew resistant silicone. Does'nt seem to turn color or get nasty like the old stuff a few years ago did.

Either way make sure everything is squeekey clean and wipe down with alchol or brake clean so your caulk has a perfectly clean oil free surface to bind to.